Business Retention and Development Committee Agenda and Packet 2012 09 04

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Business Retention & Development Committee Meeting Minutes August 6, 2012 Page 2of 4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: Gavin McMillan, Planner II, gave an update on Envision Louisville-Charrette Week the City Planning th Department will be hosting the week of August 27as part of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan update. All sessions will be held at City Hall in Council Chambers. A summary of the sessions are listed below: Monday, August 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. –Kick-off and community planning exercise Tuesday, August 28, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. –Open House Tuesday, August 28, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. –Focus Group Sessions Wednesday, August 29, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. –Open House and Staff Work Session Thursday, August 30, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. –Presentation of Findings Michael Menaker gave some suggestions on how to market the Charrette,and suggested all the sessions be streamed on the City’s website, andincluded on the Envision Louisville site, City website, Channel 8 and to publish a Press Release. RETENTION MEETINGS Citron Workspaces – Aaron DeJong and Dana Alford met with Kathy Pearwho runs the operation. The company has 22 employees and occupies leased space in the Colorado Tech Center. Kathy reported the office furniture market is picking up. Small firms and venture capital firms are growing. Citron sells new and used furniture. The business has had some issues with constrained financing. The employee offices showcase the different styles and brands of furniture available. Shelley Angell, Chamber, announced there will be a future After Hours scheduled at Citron. Parma Mozzarella Bar Aaron DeJong and Michael Menaker visited Parma located in Colony Square. The restaurant is owned by 5 guys who all have past restaurant experience, it was started in January of this year and they have a 7 year lease on their building. The owners report that business is pretty good especially at lunch but they also feel their dinner business would be better if they were located downtown. Business is very good on bad weather days, but not so good on Fridays during the summer months. The DDI, McCaslin Improvements and the City’s new Wayfinding plan were discussed during the visit and were received favorably. Staff committed to keeping the owners informed on these projects.Owners would like to see events scheduled in the McCaslin area. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTBRIEFING –Aaron DeJong USDA Grant –City awarded $19,000 grant to conduct a study on the viability of a food-centric business incubator. Staff working with Jeff Greenberg of the Kitchen Coop to develop an RFP to hire a consultant to conduct the study. Scott Reichenberg asked if the City has fully vetted Mr. Greenberg’s ability to do this project. City Manager Fleming said the City is leveraging the USDA grant money to explore the concept and if viable to bring to Council for consideration. Phillips 66–Phillips 66 leadership continues to focus on other areas of the organization and has not determined the next steps for the Louisville property. Staff had a phone call with Ken Lund from the Governor’s State Economic Development office. Staff is coordinating with the Governor’s office to continue to work with Phillips 66. At this time, Ken had not spoken to the Governor about the phone call with City staff.